Ryde Carnival 2025 Gets Underway with Extensive Line-Up

The Island’s biggest carnival season officially begins today (Thursday) as Ryde Carnival bursts into life with a packed programme of events.

Festivities start with a free Costume Workshop at The Coaching House, Union Road, where families can join the New Carnival team between 9am–12noon and 1pm–4pm.

The sessions offer a chance to learn about carnival traditions while designing eye-catching outfits.

The celebrations continue on Saturday 23rd August with the Children’s Carnival Day (11am–3pm).

Ryde’s High Street and Town Squares will be alive with entertainment, with a joyful parade leaving Ryde Co-op at 1.30pm.

Beach of Dreams: A Carnival Exclusive

This year’s highlight will be the Ryde Illuminated Carnival on Saturday 30th August, featuring a stunning new theme – Beach of Dreams.

The spectacle has been created in partnership with Asian Global UK and is part of Equals IW’s main 2025 project, which forms part of a wider UK coastal arts festival exploring heritage, culture and the climate challenges facing our coastlines.

Visitors can expect dazzling costumes inspired by sand, sea and shoreline wildlife.

The parade will also feature:

• A 20-strong dance group from across the UK, including the return of the much-loved Yorkshire Filipino Group (YFG) Cultural Dance Troupe in traditional colourful attire.

• Ten Asian Global UK Pageant Queens – from Ms Isle of Wight to Ms Westminster – each showcasing a bespoke Beach of Dreams costume for the very first time.

Project leaders Mark Cox and Aireen Gauntlett say around 50 performers will take part, promising “a breathtaking spectacle” in front of thousands of spectators.

Accessibility and Community

Ryde Carnival remains the only carnival on the Island to offer an Accessible Viewing Platform and a Quiet Area, ensuring everyone can enjoy the event.

Spaces can be reserved by emailing info@rydecarnival.com.

As always, the event is entirely volunteer-run and relies on community support.

Donation buckets, card machines and QR codes will be available along the route to help secure the carnival’s return in 2026.